But to those fans who recall the predecessor to Lou Gehrig for the Yankees (Wally Pipp), and the first baseman who followed (Babe Dahlgren), Narron might best be remembered as the Yankees’ catcher the game after the death of Thurman Munson.

New York’s captain and grass-stained heartbeat died on Aug. 2, 1979, when his Cessna Citation jet crashed 1,000 feet short of the runway at Canton-Akron Airport in Ohio.

At the time, Narron was 23-year-old rookie catcher with the Yankees. Munson proved an enviable role model. He joined the Yankees in 1969 after fewer than 100 games in the minors and won Rookie of the Year honors in 1970, hitting .302.

“I learned a great deal from him,” said Narron.

Munson’s death, as he practiced landings and take-offs, happened on a Thursday, a Yankee off-day.

Narron, who roomed with reliever Ron Davis at the time, remembered Davis answering the phone in their apartment, “and, to be honest, I can’t even remember who called us (with the news),’” said Narron.

“I think everybody who played with (Munson) still misses him,” Narron said, “and thinks about him at times.”

If Narron ever makes it to a Yankees Old-Timer’s Game, the fans should give him a good hand. He deserves it.